The state of Florida has certified West Boca’s stroke program as a Primary Stroke Center. Hospitals with stroke centers show improved stroke treatment times and better patient outcomes, according to the Brain Attack Coalition.

On average, someone in America suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies of a stroke every 3 to 4 minutes, according to the American Stroke Association.

This makes stroke the third leading cause of death in the U.S. About 5.8 million Americans are stroke survivors, yet many have serious, long-term disabilities. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and seeking prompt medical care can greatly improve chances of recovery.

During a stroke, blood supply to the brain is cut off or disrupted, causing part of the brain to go without the oxygen-rich blood it needs. Stroke patients who receive treatment at the onset of symptoms have the best chance of survival and prevention of disability.

The Brain Attack Coalition--a group of 15 national organizations including the American Academy of Neurology, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American Society of Neuroradiology and the American Stroke Association--developed joint recommendations for hospitals to create stroke care centers as a way to improve the quality of care for stroke patients.

The concept for a stroke care center is similar to that of a trauma center—combining resources of a number of specialties to quickly evaluate and treat patients with complex medical needs. The stroke center team works closely with local emergency medical services so that proper care can begin before the patient arrives at the hospital.

The stroke team includes neurologists or neurosurgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of strokes as well as nurses from the hospital’s emergency department or intensive care unit. The team is available around the clock to respond when a patient with stroke symptoms arrives at the hospital.

Our technology includes a 64-slice CT scanner, which offers unmatched image quality with remarkable speed. It has four times as many detectors as an ordinary multi-detector CT scanner, can produce detailed pictures in a few seconds and three-dimensional images in an instant. At this speed, the scanner is capable of performing a full body scan in about 30 seconds, which is critical in the case of a stroke where time is of the essence.

Our resources extend beyond diagnosis. Extensive neurological rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, speech/swallowing therapy and psychology, are available as part of a stroke patient’s recovery care. Our goal is not only to increase a patient’s chance of survival, but also to reduce his or her risk of disability and foster a full recovery.

Commitment to Quality

At West Boca Medical Center, we are committed to delivering the highest quality care possible to each of our patients. We strive to help patients achieve better outcomes, quicker recovery times, shorter hospital stays and ultimately, better health. As a result of our efforts, West Boca Medical Center has received numerous prestigious awards and accolades from trusted organizations including Healthgrades, The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. Click here to view our Quality Awards page >

West Boca Medical Center is a proud member of the Advanced Neuroscience Network.

Advanced Neuroscience Network (ANN) is an integrated delivery system of medical professionals and hospitals focused on offering a full continuum of neurological care throughout South Florida. From prevention and diagnosis, to treatment and rehabilitation, members of the Advanced Neuroscience Network are dedicated to providing clinical expertise and hope to individuals suffering from neurological disorders.

At ANN, our team of inspiring and diverse professionals employ some of the latest protocols and equipment, to both diagnose and treat a wide variety of neurological and neurosurgical conditions. When emergency medical care for stroke or traumatic injury is needed, or when surgical services are required, our physicians are on staff at award-winning hospitals. Our patient focused philosophy, our commitment to patient education and our belief in the importance of attending to both the patients and their family are at the core of our values.

Advanced Neuroscience Network (ANN) is an integrated delivery system of medical professionals and hospitals focused on offering a full continuum of neurological care throughout South Florida. Visit www.advancedneuronetwork.com to learn more.